Seeing Verais still unable to relax her face, I felt a headache.

“But the Vladimir family has been serving the royal family for generations.”

By the age of 10, Fluer Viscount wouldn’t be a commoner anymore, and there should have been some understanding of the simple relationship dynamics between noble families.

Of course, they would have refined the concept of hierarchy, taught about statics, and emphasized getting along well with each other as “friends” at the level of little children.

However, since it was still early, I decided to avoid stating my position as much as possible.

If Verais came out like that, I needed to agree with either side; otherwise, she might repeat the same words when I was alone later.

“I know you’re saying this out of concern, but I can’t completely reject or show any signs of rejecting Vladimir.”

Since the Fleure family and Vladimir family have been friendly with the royal family for a long time, it was impossible to get along well with only one side.

“If I do that and my relationship with Sasha and Praylee worsens, it could lead to a big problem for various political reasons.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Huh, it’s strange that there’s no jealousy or mixed dissatisfaction in the reaction.

“Then, please don’t get too close. Absolutely.”

“Sure, sure.”

I turned away, confidently expecting her to avoid and deal with it well. I picked two random books from the shelf and handed one to Verais.

Swoosh.

“Come on, take a book and read.”

After a while, let’s go together. With the book tightly held in her arms, Verais brightened her dark complexion.

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Thud, thud.

After that, without any further discussion, we quietly left the long row of bookshelves that stood like a wall and entered the reading space. Praylee smiled and shook her hand high, a signal to come and sit next to her. However, the book I entrusted to Kallail was on Praylee’s side, so I had no choice but to go there.

‘Verais said that, but it feels a bit awkward to sit next to Praylee.’

I wanted to ask Verais directly, but I didn’t because there might be only the two of us, and speaking too loudly might reveal the conversation.

Although there was also a consideration that it was good to let it pass when it was expressed affectionately by Verais, in retrospect, I thought I could handle it more efficiently.

‘Since I said it seriously, it’s not good to ignore it.’

It wasn’t like a joke. I pretended to read a book with my mind completely empty, thinking of something else.
I was near the bookshelves where I had been looking for tactical-related books, so naturally, I thought I had picked up a similar type of book. However, when I looked at the cover that I had intended to glance at and briefly explain to Praylee, there were unexpectedly long characters written.

“A Guide to the Romantic Language of an Elegant Lady!”

A lightning bolt struck in my mind, leaving me stunned. It was perplexing.

“What is this?”

I froze, wondering when I chose such a book. However, without giving me time to think, Praylee approached with a puzzled look and, getting closer, exclaimed with excitement.

“Wow, Your Highness! Do you perhaps have someone you admire? Usually, ladies read this kind of book before confessing their feelings!”

It wasn’t like blowing a trumpet in my ear, but it was dreadful. I felt the heat rising in my face as the attention focused on me, and it felt as scorching as a heated iron piece from the forge.

“…It’s a misunderstanding.”

If this had happened during my time as a commander when I had a close relationship with my adjutants or friendly knights, I might have given them rigorous training or scolded them while treating them to a feast. However, considering the current situation of being reborn as a princess and avoiding making a fuss here, I decided to calmly clear up the misunderstanding.

“Really, you misunderstood because of the Sun Emperor’s honor. After entrusting Kallail with choosing the first book and struggling to choose the second one, I couldn’t find it, so I randomly picked any book.”

Admiring someone? Loving someone? There was no chance of that happening! Besides, why would I confess? There were no men worthy of me, and everyone beneath me was less capable than me! On the contrary, those under me should strive to catch my eye.

‘With the maids watching, if this rumor spreads and reaches Jeff’s ears, it’ll be a big problem!’

When Jeff first introduced Sasha to me a long time ago, if I remember correctly, he said something about not tolerating nonsense. I didn’t want to go through a troublesome situation, so I vehemently denied it.

If Jeff found out, he might come to question us with a keen interrogation, and he could unleash his anger in an unexpected direction, thinking it’s inappropriate to let go of our princess so soon.

“I was planning to cover it up soon because the content seemed strange as I read it to pass the time.”

Crazy. While Sasha and Pobi were quiet, why were Kallail and Verais making such shocked faces? Didn’t I say it wasn’t true earlier?